The engines will include the latest fuel burn improvement modifications, which are designed to lower operational costs and reduce the engine’s environmental impact.

‘The Trent 700 is optimised for the A330,’ said Mick Forey senior vice-president for Civil Large Engines, Rolls-Royce. ‘And it is the most powerful and flexible option for the aircraft. It has established a clear lead as the engine of choice on the A330 with 50 per cent of orders – a position underpinned by its ‘green’ standards.’

When the aircraft are delivered, scheduled between 2010 and 2012, they will bring the airline’s fleet of Trent powered A330s, including those of sister airline Dragonair, to 56.